Gardel Pass, the latest winner of the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos, returns to action

The son of Distinctiv Passion will carry 134 pounds in the Premio Francoville, a seven-furlong test for 3-year-old winners

Gardel Pass (outside) bests Drive Joy to take the Polla de Potrillos / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina— After 216 days away, the high-class Gardel Pass—the most recent winner of the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1)—returns to competition this Friday. The El Alfalfar homebred has not raced since his courageous victory over Drive Joy (Fortify) in the opening leg of the 2025 Triple Crown. Following that triumph, he sidelined by a minor tendon injury, which forced a halt in training to prevent further damage.

"Perhaps he could have stayed at the barn for his recovery, but as impatient as I am, I took him to the farm," owner Alfredo Camogli recently told Turf Diario. "He is the kind of horse you cannot rush because of his value, so we gave him that time to rest."

The comeback takes place on the dirt at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo in the Premio Francoville. The 1,400-meter (seven-furlong) race features a novel condition for three-year-old winners, with a base weight of 54 kg (119 lbs), a 2 kg penalty for each subsequent win, and an additional 3 kg for group winners. Consequently, Gardel Pass will carry a demanding 61 kg (134 lbs), conceding between 3 and 4 kilos to his rivals.

In addition to his G1 glory, the colt boasts a victory in the Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2) and a third in the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2). His main obstacle appears to be Don Griego (Long Island Sound). The Stud Los Moure runner won his first three starts at Palermo before losing his unbeaten record when stepping up to graded company, finishing a solid fourth in the Clásico El Virtuoso (G3).

Trainer Juan Saldivia sends out Ocean Water (Dabster), who won on debut before placing third in two subsequent outings. He looks to capitalize on the weight advantage over the favorites. The field is completed by Test End (Cosmic Trigger), Tipazo (Equal Talent), and Montviel (Lucullan).